Calibration device for a 3D printer

Abstract

This utility model relates to the field of 3D printers, specifically disclosing a calibration device for a 3D printer, including a 3D print head, XZ-axis linear guide rails, a device base, a Y-axis linear guide rail, a print bed, and a laser rangefinder. The laser rangefinder is connected to the 3D print head, enabling simultaneous movement. This solution innovatively adopts non-contact calibration technology, completely avoiding the risk of direct contact between the 3D print head and the print bed, fundamentally eliminating the hidden dangers of collision and scratching between the two. After the initial leveling of the print bed is completed, when the 3D print head moves to different heights for secondary calibration, if abnormal fluctuations are observed in the data fed back by the laser rangefinder, the user can keenly detect potential problems with the X and Z-axis linear guide rails, such as bending or deformation of the guide rails.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model belongs to the field of 3D printers, and specifically relates to a calibration device for a 3D printer. Background Technology

[0002] As a typical example of rapid prototyping technology, 3D printers use a layer-by-layer stacking method, employing additive manufacturing principles to transform digital models into solid three-dimensional objects. Specifically, 3D printers deposit molten photosensitive resin and other materials layer by layer through jet bonding or extrusion to ultimately construct a complete three-dimensional model.

[0003] Before using a 3D printer, multi-dimensional calibration is essential to ensure print quality and equipment stability. Among these, heated bed leveling is crucial, requiring the 3D printer frame to be stable and secure, while maintaining a level bed with a uniform distance between the nozzle and the bed. Traditional manual leveling methods often use bolted supports on all four sides of the bed, allowing operators to adjust the bed's level. Current leveling methods involve placing an A4 sheet of paper between the nozzle and the bed, relying on slight resistance throughout the paper as a guideline. However, this contact-based leveling process is highly susceptible to scratching between the nozzle and the bed, affecting both equipment lifespan and potentially reducing print accuracy. Therefore, developing non-contact leveling methods is a vital direction for optimizing and upgrading 3D printing technology, significantly improving printing efficiency and equipment reliability. Utility Model Content

[0004] The purpose of this invention is to provide a calibration device for a 3D printer that does not require the nozzle to contact the print bed.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, this utility model provides a calibration device for a 3D printer, comprising: a 3D print head for extruding resin; an XZ biaxial linear guide rail and its base, wherein the XZ biaxial linear guide rail is mounted on the upper side of the base, and the 3D print head is mounted on the output end of the XZ biaxial linear guide rail, allowing the 3D print head to move vertically and horizontally; a Y-axis linear guide rail is provided on the upper side of the base, and a print bed is provided at the output end of the Y-axis linear guide rail; the print bed includes a base plate for connecting the Y-axis linear guide rail and a carrying plate located above the base plate; four adjusting bolts are provided between the base plate and the carrying plate, and rotating the four adjusting bolts changes the levelness of the carrying plate; and a laser rangefinder, wherein the side of the 3D print head is flat, and a mounting bracket for mounting the laser rangefinder is provided on this side; the laser rangefinder moves simultaneously with the 3D print head via the mounting bracket, and the detection direction of the laser rangefinder is towards the carrying plate.

[0006] As an improvement to the above solution, the card holder includes two elastic bands located at different heights, which fix the laser rangefinder by elasticity and friction when tightened.

[0007] As an improvement to the above solution, the laser rangefinder is a Duke LSP laser rangefinder.

[0008] As an improvement to the above solution, a display screen is provided on the surface of the device base, and a control board is provided inside the device base.

[0009] As an improvement to the above solution, both the XZ-axis linear guide rails and the Y-axis linear guide rails are driven by servo motors and lead screws. The XZ-axis linear guide rails form a gantry frame structure. The XZ-axis linear guide rails include two vertical first guide rails, one horizontal second guide rail, and one horizontal reinforcing rod. A servo motor is installed on the upper side of the first guide rail. The first and last ends of the second guide rail are pierced by lead screws. The 3D printing head is installed on the second guide rail. The first and last ends of the second guide rail are provided with bearing seats and their servo motors. The 3D printing head is pierced by lead screws.

[0010] This invention offers the following advantages: It innovatively employs non-contact calibration technology, completely eliminating the risk of direct contact between the 3D print head and the print bed, thus fundamentally eliminating the potential for collisions and scratches. After initial leveling of the print bed, when the 3D print head moves to different heights for secondary calibration, if abnormal fluctuations are observed in the data fed back by the laser rangefinder, the user can readily detect potential problems with the X and Z axis linear guides, such as guide rail bending or deformation. This proactive fault warning mechanism helps users promptly identify and resolve potential equipment malfunctions, ensuring the 3D printing equipment always operates at high precision, effectively improving equipment stability and lifespan. Attached Figure Description

[0011] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of a calibration device in one embodiment;

[0012] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached drawings: 10, 3D printing head; 21, XZ dual-axis linear guide rails; 22, equipment base; 23, Y-axis linear guide rail; 31, substrate; 32, carrying plate; 33, adjusting bolt; 41, laser rangefinder; 42, elastic band. Detailed Implementation

[0013] In the description of this utility model, it should be noted that the terms "center", "longitudinal", "lateral", "up", "down", "front", "back", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "top surface", "bottom surface", "inner", "outer", "inner side", "outer side", etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing this utility model and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this utility model.

[0014] In the description of this invention, "several" means one or more, "multiple" means two or more, "greater than," "less than," and "exceeding" are understood to exclude the stated number, while "above," "below," and "within" are understood to include the stated number. Where the terms "first," "second," and "third" are used for descriptive purposes and to distinguish technical features, they should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance, or implicitly indicating the number of indicated technical features, or implicitly indicating the sequential relationship of the indicated technical features.

[0015] In the description of this utility model, it should be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," "linking," and "setting" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to the internal connection of two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this utility model based on the specific circumstances. The embodiments of this utility model will now be described based on its overall structure.

[0016] Reference Figure 1This utility model discloses a calibration device for a 3D printer, comprising: a 3D print head 10 for extruding resin; and an XZ biaxial linear guide rail 21 and a device base 22. The XZ biaxial linear guide rail 21 is mounted on the upper side of the device base 22, and the 3D print head 10 is mounted on the output end of the XZ biaxial linear guide rail 21, allowing the 3D print head 10 to move in the vertical and horizontal directions. A Y-axis linear guide rail 23 is provided on the upper side of the device base 22, and a printing bed is provided at the output end of the Y-axis linear guide rail 23. The printing bed includes components for... The system includes a base plate 31 connecting the Y-axis linear guide rail 23 and a carrier plate 32 located above the base plate 31. Four adjusting bolts 33 are provided between the base plate 31 and the carrier plate 32. Rotating the four adjusting bolts 33 changes the levelness of the carrier plate 32. The system also includes a laser rangefinder 41. The side of the 3D printing head 10 is flat and has a mounting bracket for mounting the laser rangefinder 41. The laser rangefinder 41 moves simultaneously with the 3D printing head 10 via the mounting bracket, and the detection direction of the laser rangefinder 41 is towards the carrier plate 32.

[0017] As an improvement to the above solution, the mounting bracket includes two elastic bands 42 located at different heights. When the elastic bands 42 are tightened, the laser rangefinder 41 is fixed by elasticity and friction. This design facilitates the disassembly of the laser rangefinder 41, and the standalone laser rangefinder 41 can also be used for other measurements.

[0018] As an improvement to the above solution, the laser rangefinder 41 adopts the Duke LSP laser rangefinder 41. This laser rangefinder 41 is small in size (weighing 28g), with a rectangular cube shell (approximately 86*22*11mm in size), making it one of the smallest laser rangefinder 41s on the market. Its sides are flat and can be aligned with the outer surface of the 3D printing head 10. The Duke LSP laser rangefinder 41 itself has a screen and two buttons, making it easy to operate and capable of single and continuous measurements, as well as recording maximum / minimum values.

[0019] As an improvement to the above solution, a display screen is provided on the surface of the device base 22, and a control board is provided inside the device base 22.

[0020] As an improvement to the above solution, both the XZ-axis linear guide rails 21 and the Y-axis linear guide rail 23 are driven by servo motors and lead screws. The XZ-axis linear guide rails 21 form a gantry frame structure. Each XZ-axis linear guide rail 21 includes two vertical first guide rails, one horizontal second guide rail, and one horizontal reinforcing rod. A servo motor is mounted on the upper side of the first guide rail, and the lead screw passes through both ends of the second guide rail. The 3D printing head 10 is mounted on the second guide rail, and the first and last ends of the second guide rail are equipped with bearings and their servo motors. The 3D printing head 10 is passed through by the lead screw. Both the XZ-axis linear guide rails 21 and the Y-axis linear guide rail 23 are existing technologies and can be directly improved based on existing 3D printers. In other solutions, the 3D printing head 10 is also driven by a servo motor and a synchronous belt.

[0021] In use, the Duke LSP laser rangefinder 41 is mounted on the side of the 3D printing head 10, with their end faces aligned. The 3D printing head 10 is moved to the height for the first measurement, and the Duke LSP laser rangefinder 41 is activated in continuous measurement mode, displaying the measurement distance in real time. The 3D printing head 10 is moved horizontally. If the measurement distance remains constant or the error is minimal, the printing bed can be considered basically level. The 3D printing head 10 is moved to other heights and re-moved horizontally for multiple calibrations. If the measurement data at at least two heights show no fluctuation, the printing bed is considered level.

[0022] This innovative solution employs non-contact calibration technology, completely avoiding the risk of direct contact between the 3D print head and the print bed, fundamentally eliminating the potential for collisions and scratches. After initial leveling of the print bed, when the 3D print head is moved to different heights for secondary calibration, any abnormal fluctuations in the laser ranging and 41 feedback data can alert the user to potential problems with the X and Z axis linear guides, such as guide rail bending or deformation. This proactive fault warning mechanism helps users promptly identify and resolve potential equipment malfunctions, ensuring the 3D printing equipment always operates at high precision, effectively improving equipment stability and lifespan.

[0023] The foregoing description of specific exemplary embodiments of the present invention is for illustrative and explanatory purposes. These descriptions are not intended to limit the present invention to the precise forms disclosed, and it will be apparent that many changes and variations can be made in accordance with the foregoing teachings. The exemplary embodiments were chosen and described in order to explain the specific principles of the present invention and its practical application, thereby enabling those skilled in the art to implement and utilize various different exemplary embodiments of the present invention, as well as various different choices and variations. The scope of the present invention is intended to be defined by the claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A calibration device for a 3D printer, characterized in that, include: 3D printing head, used for extruding resin; An XZ dual-axis linear guide rail and its equipment base are provided. The XZ dual-axis linear guide rail is mounted on the upper side of the equipment base. The 3D printing head is mounted on the output end of the XZ dual-axis linear guide rail, allowing the 3D printing head to move in the vertical and horizontal directions. A Y-axis linear guide rail is provided on the upper side of the equipment base. A printing bed is provided at the output end of the Y-axis linear guide rail. The printing bed includes a base plate for connecting the Y-axis linear guide rail and a carrier plate located above the base plate. Four adjusting bolts are provided between the base plate and the carrier plate. Rotating the four adjusting bolts changes the levelness of the carrier plate. The laser rangefinder has a flat side surface on the 3D printing head, which is provided with a mounting bracket for mounting the laser rangefinder. The laser rangefinder moves simultaneously with the 3D printing head via the mounting bracket, and the detection direction of the laser rangefinder is towards the carrier plate.

2. The calibration device for a 3D printer according to claim 1, characterized in that: The mounting bracket includes two elastic bands located at different heights. When the elastic bands are tightened, they fix the laser rangefinder by elasticity and friction.

3. The calibration device for a 3D printer according to claim 2, characterized in that: The laser rangefinder used is a Duke LSP laser rangefinder.

4. The calibration device for a 3D printer according to claim 1, characterized in that: The device base is equipped with a display screen on its surface and a control board inside the device base.

5. The calibration device for a 3D printer according to claim 4, characterized in that: The XZ-axis linear guide rails and the Y-axis linear guide rail are both driven by servo motors and lead screws. The XZ-axis linear guide rails form a gantry frame structure. The XZ-axis linear guide rails include two vertical first guide rails, one horizontal second guide rail, and one horizontal reinforcing rod. A servo motor is installed on the upper side of the first guide rail. The first and last ends of the second guide rail are pierced by lead screws. The 3D printing head is installed on the second guide rail. The first and last ends of the second guide rail are provided with bearing seats and their servo motors. The 3D printing head is pierced by lead screws.

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